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| (Image Source: manila concert scene/Timezone Philippines) |
Filipino arcade culture and P-Pop fandom just collided on the same game floor as Timezone Philippines, the country's premiere family entertainment center, has officially named XONARA — the seven-member girl group taking over your playlists under 1Z Entertainment — as its newest brand ambassadors. And this isn’t a wave-at-the-camera, sign-the-banner kind of deal. The one-year partnership comes loaded: an exclusive buy 250, get 500 credit bonus on the Timezone Fun App with the code XONARA, and official Timezone x XONARA photocards dropping on August 25, 2026.
Photocards. In an arcade. Someone finally understood the assignment. If you’ve ever traded a photocard outside a concert venue or queued for a cup sleeve event, you already know why this hits different. Timezone is bringing the collect-everything, post-everything energy of P-Pop fandom into the same neon-lit floors where half the country learned to lose gracefully at air hockey. “At Timezone, we’re always looking for new ways to bring people together through fun and create memorable experiences for our guests. XONARA’s vibrant energy, strong connection with young audiences and authentic love for Timezone make them a natural fit for our brand. Together, we’re creating exciting moments that celebrate friendship, community and play while giving fans new ways to connect with the people and passions they love,” said Timezone Philippines President and General Manager Raffy Prats Jr. Social content, merch, in-store activations — all rolling out over the year under #TimeXONARA. But, here’s the plot twist that isn’t one: before Eurekah, Tin, Dominique, Ella, Namie, Lei and Megumi were 1Z Entertainment‘s first girl group — before “Tabi” and even before their brand-new second single “Pula” which was recently made available, now streaming worldwide on digital music platforms — they were the kids swiping powercards into the machines like the rest of us.
“We’re honestly so happy and grateful. Timezone is a place that so many of us grew up going to, so becoming one of its brand ambassadors feels really surreal. It’s exciting to represent a brand that’s all about having fun, making memories, and bringing people together. We hope everyone can create new memories with us at Timezone too,” said Ella. Namie added, “It’s such an honor. We never imagined that one day we’d be working with a brand we genuinely enjoyed growing up. It feels like a full-circle moment, and we’re really thankful to Timezone for trusting XONARA.” Ella fought the good fight against the claw machine — and occasionally won. She shared, “I’d spend so much time trying to win a plushie, and whenever I finally got one, I’d feel so proud. Timezone was one of those places where every visit felt special because it wasn’t just about the games, it was about spending time with family and friends.” Namie, meanwhile, was the karaoke booth mainstay. She expressed, “I’m naturally competitive. I remember challenging my friends to see who could get the highest score. Even if I lost, we’d all end up laughing, and those are the moments I remember most.”
Timezone Philippines is running the show — venue experience, digital rollout, activations, Fun App mechanics, merch — while 1Z Entertainment brings the girls, the content and the appearances. The brand itself has been in the business of engineered joy since 1978 when it started in Perth, Australia. Today it runs over 320 venues across seven countries including more than 50 in the Philippines through its joint venture between The Entertainment and Education Group (TEEG) and Ayala Land Inc.
